Northern Nevada high school sports suspended indefinitely

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association officially announced the suspension of high school sports in Northern Nevada due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

In a news release Friday afternoon the NIAA said the suspension will last until further notice.

From the release: “The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association is announcing the suspension of NIAA sanctioned sports for all of its member schools effective Monday, March 16 until further notice. … The Legislative Commission of the NIAA consisting of the superintendents of the Nevada school districts with NIAA member schools, took action earlier today to suspend non-essential activities at schools which includes NIAA sanctioned events.”

In the release, the NIAA noted that member schools could suspend sports at their respective schools prior to March 16, if they so choose.

The NIAA’s news release comes around 3:25 p.m. Friday, which brings a halt to the spring sports season just eight days after schools could begin officially playing competitive contests.

The first case of COVID-19 in Carson City was confirmed Thursday and the number of confirmed cases in the state of Nevada was 19 as of Friday afternoon.  

Carson High School athletic director Blair Roman said the situation is an ‘unfortunate circumstance’ for everyone.

“It’s an unfortunate situation, but if it’s the best thing for the health of our country and community, obviously those are the steps we need to make,” said Roman.

The Senator AD noted that what’s next for the spring sports season is still undecided and he will be awaiting future updates as well.

“I don’t think anybody knows at this point and I think the prudent thing to do is follow the directive of the NIAA and suspended until further notice means just that,” Roman said.

Roman also added that Carson baseball is a ‘green light’ to play McQueen Saturday, as of 4:50 p.m. Friday, before the suspension comes into place Monday.

Douglas High athletic director Marc Walling also said the Tigers' baseball contest against Reed is still scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.

Walling was in a similar boat as Roman, as both athletic directors await directions about moving forward.

Walling said that his heart goes out to the student-athletes that will lose opportunities to continue playing as well as the effect on people nationwide.

"Obviously your heart goes out for them and you feel bad for them," said Walling. "You think the same thing with the NCAA tournament, seniors in college who are missing their last season. ... It's a lot bigger than Douglas High School and Douglas County.

"For us, we will have to be in good communication within the district and the league as far as what are the steps moving forward," said Walling. "We're going to seek guidance form the district, the state and the health department. ... We have to make sure that everyone is healthy and safe."

NIAA postpones Hall of Fame ceremony

The decision comes a day after the NIAA announced, via a news release, to postpone its Hall of Fame ceremony from April 3 to September 21.

“With consideration to what health organizations are now recommending, we do not want to put people at potential risk for being infected with COVID-19,” the news release said. “We are expecting to have 400 attendees, many of them in the most at-risk age bracket(s). The NIAA office staff, out of an abundance of caution, feels holding off on this memorable event is the best course of action.”

The event will be held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno.